The Alaskan Smoked Porter: A dark, smoky recipe brewed in the wilds of Juneau

The Alaskan Brewing Co. resides in the capital of Alaska (Juneau) on the Gastineau Channel in the state’s panhandle. The brewery is bordered by the Pacific waters of the Inside Passage, the Tongass National Forest and the 1,500 square-mile Juneau Icefield. This remote coastal town is only accessible by sea or air, so Alaskan Brewing Co. must ship its tasty ice cold craft brewed beer via barge.

One of its most unique beers is the Alaskan Smoked Porter, which according to this video is also the most award-winning beer at the Great American Beer Festival. Known as “rauchbier” in Germany, this style of smoke-flavored porter was virtually unknown in the U.S. until Alaskan Smoked Porter was developed in 1988. The dark, robust body and pronounced smoky flavor of this limited edition beer make it an adventuresome taste experience. Alaskan Smoked Porter is produced in limited “vintages” each year on Nov. 1 and unlike most beers, may be aged in the bottle much like fine wine.